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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Campaigners seek to save 19th century house

This news post is over 4 years old
 

Westburn House in Aberdeen is likely to fall into ruin without urgent repairs.

Campaigners hope to raise £300,000 to save a historic building in Aberdeen.

Westburn House, situated in the park of the same name, has fallen into a state of severe disrepair and needs urgent work to save it from falling into ruin.

The house dates back to 1839 and was designed by Archibald Simpson, the Aberdeen-born architect responsible for many of the city’s most recognisable buildings.

Adam Simpson, of the Save Westburn House Action Group, says that unless restoration begins soon the building could be lost forever.

The group is now fundraising in a bid to pay for the necessary repairs and conservation work.

Mr Simpson said: “The first phase of works will see the conservation and vital refurbishment of the external envelope of the building both internal and external repairs.

“We’ve also agreed further investment from other funds for the next phase of restoration of the building which means it will be straight to work on Phase Two of the work - restore and renovate.

“Raising funds via crowdfunding will provide the capital needed to prepare for essential works. This crowdfunding campaign is about how you can support us to get the building up and running as soon as possible.”

After a consultation with local residents, the group hope to turn a revitalised Westburn House into a self-sustaining community space with a cafe, multi-use space and children’s facilities.

Neighbouring woodland would also be developed with outdoor seating, picnic areas, informal play areas and outdoor education classes.

Mr Simpson said: “Westburn house will be the biggest community funded and run project in Scotland, and, we’re hoping, a real example to others of what a community can achieve and a great example for saving historic buildings.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the project can do so via Crowdfunder.